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When considering their legacy, many of our clients make charitable giving a priority. By designing the right structure for your philanthropic goals, Maslon Estate Planning attorneys can maximize the impact of your charitable giving while minimizing your tax burden and concerns. We'll help you determine the most effective financial approach to accomplish your giving goals and address governance issues with creative solutions that accommodate varied philanthropic values, preferences and levels of involvement within your family.

Our experience includes the development of tax-exempt organizations and charitable trusts of all varieties—and obtaining favorable U.S. Treasury Department rulings on tax-exempt status. You'll get tailored, personalized service in the proper administration of your trust or tax-exempt organization—including handling state and federal tax returns, distributions, officer and director issues, and other matters, so that you can feel confident about the ongoing effectiveness of your giving.

To learn more about how we can assist you, contact one of our attorneys today.

]]>en-usSun, 15 Sep 2019 10:04:45 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/the-new-will-drafting-document-assembly-system-and-how-it-saves-you-time-and-work-2019-strategic-solutions-for-solo-and-small-firms-conference-minnesota-cle
Mon, 05 Aug 2019 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-to-co-present-at-minnesota-cles-2019-strategic-solutions-for-solo-and-small-firms-conference
Michael Sampson, partner in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will co-present at Minnesota CLE's Strategic Solutions for Solo and Small Firms Seminar on August 5, 2019, in Duluth, Minnesota. During both of his sessions , titled "The New Will Drafting Document Assembly System and How It Saves You Time and Work" and "Open Forum on Estate Planning – From Wills, Trusts and Estates to MA and Beyond," Michael and his fellow panelists will offer insights and answer audience questions on how solo and small firms can further their success within these practice areas.

Michael's legal practice focuses on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. Michael helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. After assisting his clients in identifying their specific wealth planning goals, Michael works with them and their other professional advisors to develop and implement wealth transfer strategies that are consistent not only with their goals, but also with their cash flow needs and tolerance for risk.

It is this practical focus on the real-life impact of wealth transfer planning that distinguishes Michael's approach from that of the typical estate planning attorney. Beyond preparing legal documents, he also serves as his clients' wealth coach, personal CFO, professional pest, and skeptic-for-hire. Michael also provides his clients with access to his deep network of contacts, which often leads to solutions for many of life's little problems, even if they're completely unrelated to what you would normally think of as "estate planning."

Susan will moderate a probate panel of experienced probate practitioners—including Michael and Cindy—in which she will pose not-so-common questions that arise for attorneys and paralegals during the administration of a decedent's estate. Additionally, Susan and Cindy will co-present a session titled "What Every Paralegal Must Know About Estate Administration," in which they will discuss preparing documents for personal representation, including how-to tips, what forms to use, and questions regarding probate administration.

Michael will moderate a panel titled "Planning Strategies Under the 2017 Tax Act: What to do with all that Exemption," which will discuss ideas and techniques to take advantage of the increased transfer tax exemption included in the 2017 tax act. Michael will also demonstrate Minnesota CLE's new automated drafting wills program later in the conference.

Diana will serve as a panelist at a breakout session titled "Rembrandts and Beanie Babies: Answers to Common Questions About Valuing Personal Property." The panel will discuss valuation methods and techniques for everything from Beanie Babies to diamond rings.

In addition, three post-conference webcasts will be offered to conference attendees, and Susan is scheduled to host one of them, titled "Wills for Heroes," on June 24.

]]>Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/diana-marianetti-to-co-present-at-minnesota-cles-2019-family-law-institute
Diana Marianetti, attorney in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will co-present at Minnesota CLE's 2019 Family Law Institute on March 19, 2019. During her presentation, titled "Planning for What You Hope Doesn't Happen: Divorce and Estate Planning," she will explore common issues from both the family law and estate planning perspective. The session will include practice tips on life insurance, buy-sell agreements, trusts, beneficiary designations, spousal maintenance, and more.

Diana works with clients in all stages of life to plan for both the expected and the unexpected when it comes to estates and business succession. Whether assisting a young family to create their first estate plan upon the birth of a child, planning an exit from a family-owned business, or helping resolve a dispute upon the death of a family member—Diana helps clients think through the key considerations, define priorities, and accomplish their goals. She particularly enjoys helping young families and women business owners, who so often neglect this critical aspect of their success.

]]>Tue, 19 Mar 2019 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/susan-link-michael-sampson-and-cindy-costello-to-present-at-minnesota-cles-the-abcs-of-probate-practice-in-minnesota-seminar
Susan Link and Michael Sampson, partners in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, and Cindy Costello, senior paralegal in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will present at Minnesota CLE's The ABCs of Probate Practice in Minnesota seminar on February 8, 2019. As course chair, Susan will kick off the event with a welcome and introduction. Susan will also co-present a session with Cindy, titled "Key Issues in Formal Probate," where they will offer step-by-step guidance on formal probate proceedings, including which forms are needed when initiating a formal proceeding. During Michael's session, "How to Manage Real Estate Transfers in Estate Administration," he will discuss specific rules associated with transferring real property, ways to ensure that you’ve properly addressed the most critical component of the conveyance, how to spot and address pre-conveyance issues, and methods to complete the conveyance efficiently.

Susan is head of Maslon's Estate Planning Group and works closely with families to plan the disposition of their assets, both during lifetime and at death, and to accomplish the optimal estate and gift tax planning for clients through wills, trusts, and other instruments. Susan routinely drafts estate plans that include disclaimer planning and credit shelter plans, in addition to drafting and implementing charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, irrevocable insurance trusts, minors' trusts, antenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements. She is regularly involved in the analysis and issues of lifetime gifting programs, estate tax planning, and generation-skipping issues.

Mike's legal practice focuses on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. He helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. After assisting his clients in identifying their specific wealth planning goals, Michael works with them and their other professional advisors to develop and implement wealth transfer strategies that are consistent not only with their goals, but also with their cash flow needs and tolerance for risk.

Cindy assists attorneys with all aspects of estate and trust administration, including preparation of court documents, accountings, estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and distribution of assets.

]]>Fri, 08 Feb 2019 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-appointed-to-serve-as-chair-of-maslons-estate-planning-practice-group
Maslon is pleased to announce that Michael Sampson has been appointed to serve as chair of the firm's Estate Planning Group. In this capacity, Michael will help shape the strategy and direction of the practice group, with particular attention to client service, attorney training and development, and competitive effectiveness.

Michael's legal practice focuses on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. He helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. Michael is a Fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has also been recognized as a Notable Practitioner in Minnesota for Private Wealth Law in the 2018 edition of the Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) guide.

]]>Mon, 04 Feb 2019 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/kevin-rockwell-to-present-at-minnesota-cles-2019-new-lawyer-experience-seminar
Kevin Rockwell, a member in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will present at Minnesota CLE's 2019 New Lawyer Experience seminar on January 18, 2019. During the session titled, "Estate Planning for New Lawyers," Kevin will give tips on designing and drafting an estate plan for individuals with non-taxable estates. He will also offer advice on the use of health care directives, statutory short form powers of attorneys, trusts, and coordinating beneficiary designations with a client's estate plan.

Kevin practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. He enjoys working closely with individuals and families to design and implement a comprehensive estate plan that meets their unique personal, financial, and charitable goals—both during lifetime and at death—through wills, trusts, health care directives, and other instruments. Prior to joining Maslon, Kevin worked in compliance and risk for a boutique wealth management firm serving ultra-high-net-worth clients.

]]>Fri, 18 Jan 2019 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-to-present-at-the-exit-planning-institutes-update-on-the-minnesota-trust-code-seminar
Michael Sampson, partner in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will present on the most significant changes contained in the Minnesota Trust Code, with a particular focus on three provisions that may be especially relevant to advisors who work with business owners: directed trusts, decanting, and so-called ‘silent trusts.’ Learning objectives will include:

Gain basic familiarity with the new provisions of Minnesota’s trust law that are especially relevant to business owners;

Learn details about using directed trusts, decanting, and “silent trusts;”

Learn how directed trusts could be advantageous for business owners as succession planning tools; and

Learn how to introduce the topics to business owners as part of the broader succession planning conversation.

Michael's legal practice focuses on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. Michael helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. After assisting his clients in identifying their specific wealth planning goals, Michael works with them and their other professional advisors to develop and implement wealth transfer strategies that are consistent not only with their goals, but also with their cash flow needs and tolerance for risk.

]]>Thu, 10 Jan 2019 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-to-present-at-minnesota-cles-options-for-modifying-and-terminating-trusts-seminar
Michael Sampson, partner in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will lead Minnesota CLE's Options for Modifying and Terminating Trusts – Does Irrevocable Really Mean Irrevocable? seminar on December 17, 2018. Michael, who served on the committee that drafted and adopted Minnesota's 2016 re-write of the Minnesota Trust Code, will present on the topic of irrevocable trusts under Minnesota trust law. He will discuss issues within the material purpose of the settlor, virtual representation, beneficiary versus qualified beneficiary, and non-judicial agreements versus court action. Michael will be joined on the panel by an elder law attorney and a trust litigator.

Michael's legal practice focuses on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. Michael helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. After assisting his clients in identifying their specific wealth planning goals, Michael works with them and their other professional advisors to develop and implement wealth transfer strategies that are consistent not only with their goals, but also with their cash flow needs and tolerance for risk.

]]>Mon, 17 Dec 2018 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/maslon-recognized-in-2019-best-law-firms-by-ius-news-best-lawyersi
U.S. News - Best Lawyers®]]>Maslon LLP has been named a Tier 1 Metro "Best Law Firm" for Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking & Finance, Litigation – Labor & Employment, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants in the 2019 "Best Law Firms" rankings released by U.S. News - Best Lawyers®. The firm was also named a Tier 3 National "Best Law Firm" for Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Banking & Finance. The full list of Maslon's ranked practice areas recognized by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" are below:

U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers rank more than 11,000 firms. The 2019 "Best Law Firms" covers 137 practice areas across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of professional excellence and breadth of expertise.

Earlier this year, Maslon attorneys Cooper Ashley, Mark Baumann, David Herr, Geoff Jarpe, Susan Link, Mike McCarthy, Bill Pentelovitch, Larry Purdy, Marty Rosenbaum, and Howard Tarkow were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019. In addition, Bill Pentelovitch was recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2019 Litigation—Banking and Finance "Lawyer of the Year" award winner in Minneapolis. To view the full article, go to: Maslon Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019.

]]>Fri, 02 Nov 2018 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/diana-marinetti-interviewed-about-her-practice-by-iminnesota-lawyeri
Minnesota Lawyer]]>Diana Marianetti, an attorney in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, was interviewed by Minnesota Lawyer in an article titled "Breaking the Ice: Estate work balances legal, emotional issues." In the feature, Diana shares what inspired her to practice law, what she enjoys most about her practice, what inspires her now, and a few items from life outside her practice, including her involvement with the local chapter of Women Presidents' Organization.

As a member of both Maslon's Estate Planning Group and Maslon's Trust & Estate Litigation Group, Diana offers clients a unique perspective across a broad spectrum of needs. She is highly skilled at creating comprehensive estate plans that minimize the risk of future disputes as well as in advising clients on issues regarding fiduciary duties, trusts, and probate. She works with clients in all stages of life to plan for both the expected and the unexpected when it comes to estates and business succession.

During the afternoon of day one, Susan will moderate a probate panel of experienced probate practitioners—including Michael and Cindy—in which she will pose not-so-common questions that arise for attorneys and paralegals during the administration of a decedent's estate. Simultaneously, Julian and Diana will co-present a session titled "Professional Responsibility in Estate Administration," which will take a closer look at issues of competence, scope of representation, diligence and communication, attorney’s fees, conflicts of interest, attorney as a witness, dealing with the court, dealing with unrepresented persons, and compliance with rules for tax practitioners. Diana will also co-present a session titled "Planning for What You Hope Doesn't Happen: Divorce Considerations for Estate Planners," which will explore common issues from both the family law and estate planning perspective. The session will include practice tips on life insurance, buy-sell agreements, trusts, beneficiary designations, spousal maintenance, and more.

Late that afternoon, Michael will moderate a panel titled "Large Estates Panel: Flaunting Flexibility – Keeping Your Options Open In a Temporary World," which will consider the various ways that recent changes in the federal and Minnesota tax laws might require a change in the way estate planners think about a number of issues, such as tax apportionment, the use of formula gifts, the value of discounts, and the value of estate tax avoidance versus increases to basis. The panel will also discuss how to evaluate when GST planning makes sense for clients as well as whether and when to use Minnesota-only QTIP elections alongside (or instead of) formula provisions. The following morning, Kevin and Cindy will co-present a session titled "Ancillary Probate for Snowbirds and Snow Lover," in which attendees will learn how to open an ancillary probate in Minnesota and snowbird states.

Susan is the head of Maslon's Estate Planning Group and practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She works closely with families to plan the disposition of their assets, both during lifetime and at death, and to accomplish the optimal estate and gift tax planning for clients through wills, trusts, and other instruments. Additionally, Susan serves as the program director of Minnesota Wills for Heroes. The Wills for Heroes program, sponsored by the Minnesota State Bar Association, is designed to provide free legal services for the preparation of basic estate planning documents for Minnesota first responders.

Michael's legal practice focuses on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. Michael helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. After assisting his clients in identifying their specific wealth planning goals, Michael works with them and their other professional advisors to develop and implement wealth transfer strategies that are consistent not only with their goals, but also with their cash flow needs and tolerance for risk.

Julian focuses his legal practice on probate, fiduciary, and trust litigation as well as business and commercial litigation. He has counseled and represented individual and business clients in both federal and state courts as well as arbitration proceedings, and he has handled matters for clients at all stages of the litigation process, including mediation, trials, and appeals. Julian's probate, fiduciary, and trust litigation practice has involved many different types of contested estate, trust, probate, and elder law matters, including will/trust contests (including claims of undue influence and diminished capacity), construction/interpretation disputes, accounting actions, breach of fiduciary duty claims, fiduciary removal actions, trust instruction proceedings, financial elder abuse claims, and creditor claims against estates.

Diana works with clients in all stages of life to plan for both the expected and the unexpected when it comes to estates and business succession. Whether assisting a young family to create their first estate plan upon the birth of a child, planning an exit from a family-owned business, or helping resolve a dispute upon the death of a family member—Diana helps clients think through the key considerations, define priorities, and accomplish their goals.

Kevin practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. He enjoys working closely with individuals and families to design and implement a comprehensive estate plan that meets their unique personal, financial, and charitable goals—both during lifetime and at death—through wills, trusts, health care directives, and other instruments. Prior to joining Maslon, Kevin worked in compliance and risk for a boutique wealth management firm serving ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Cindy is a senior paralegal in the areas of estate and trust administration. Cindy assists attorneys with all aspects of estate and trust administration, including preparation of court documents, accountings, estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and distribution of assets.

]]>Mon, 04 Jun 2018 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-interviewed-for-editorial-calendars-article-titled-family-business-trusts-protecting-valuable-assets-from-outside-threats
Editorial Calendar's Article Titled "Family Business Trusts: Protecting Valuable Assets From Outside Threats"]]>Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-to-present-for-the-saint-paul-minnesota-community-foundations
Michael Sampson, partner in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will present for The Saint Paul & Minnesota Community Foundations on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Michael's presentation, titled "The Charitable Choice: How to Decide between a Private Foundation and a Donor Advised Fund," will discuss the practical differences between private foundations and donor advised funds, with a focus on the aspects that clients and advisors should concentrate on when making the decision.
Michael's legal practice focuses on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. Michael helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. After assisting his clients in identifying their specific wealth planning goals, Michael works with them and their other professional advisors to develop and implement wealth transfer strategies that are consistent not only with their goals, but also with their cash flow needs and tolerance for risk.]]>Wed, 16 May 2018 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-to-present-on-fiduciary-income-tax-issues-for-minnesota-cle
Wed, 02 May 2018 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-to-present-at-minnesota-planned-giving-council-breakfast-meeting
Michael Sampson, partner in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will present at a breakfast meeting for the Minnesota Planned Giving Council on March 28, 2017. During his presentation, titled "Charitable Giving in Uncertain Times," Michael will review the income and estate tax proposals currently being considered at the federal level as well as the arguments that can be made to keep charitable giving relevant if the tax benefits of giving become less of a selling point.

Michael focuses his practice on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. Michael helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. After assisting his clients in identifying their specific wealth planning goals, Michael works with them and their other professional advisors to develop and implement wealth transfer strategies that are consistent not only with their goals, but also with their cash flow needs and tolerance for risk.

]]>Tue, 28 Mar 2017 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-elected-as-fellow-of-the-american-college-of-trust-and-estate-counsel
Maslon is pleased to announce that Michael Sampson, partner in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, has been elected as a Fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). ACTEC is a nonprofit association of lawyers and law professors skilled and experienced in the preparation of wills and trusts; estate planning; and probate procedure and administration of trusts and estates of decedents, minors, and incompetents.

To qualify for membership, a lawyer must have no less than 10 years' experience in the active practice of probate and trust law or estate planning. Lawyers and law professors are elected to be Fellows based on their outstanding reputation, exceptional skill, and substantial contributions to the field by lecturing, writing, teaching, and participating in bar activities.

Michael's legal practice focuses on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. He is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars and has served as an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul. He is also very active in the Minnesota State Bar Association, currently serving as a member of the Probate and Trust Law Section Council and as a past chair of the Section's Legislation Committee.

]]>Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/michael-sampson-to-serve-as-panelist-at-a-guild-incorporated-estate-planning-panel
Michael Sampson, partner in Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will serve as a panel member for Guild Incorporated's "Long-Term Care, Trusts, and Estate Planning – Expert Panel" on March 16, 2017. The panelists will discuss and answer questions regarding long-term care, trusts, and estate planning. Michael currently serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of Guild Incorporated, a St. Paul-based non-profit that works with individuals with severe mental illness.

Michael focuses his practice on high-end estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, and business succession planning. Michael helps his clients focus on what it is they really want to accomplish with their wealth. After assisting his clients in identifying their specific wealth planning goals, Michael works with them and their other professional advisors to develop and implement wealth transfer strategies that are consistent not only with their goals, but also with their cash flow needs and tolerance for risk.

]]>Thu, 16 Mar 2017 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/diana-marianetti-to-co-present-for-minnesota-cles-scenario-planning-and-drafting-for-trusts-and-estates-lawyers-seminar
Diana Marianetti, member of Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will co-present at Minnesota CLE's Scenario Planning & Drafting for Trusts & Estates Lawyers seminar on November 21, 2016. During the session titled "The Good Second Marriage: Dealing with Subsequent Marriages and Blended Family Planning," Diana will discuss best practices for estate planning in subsequent marriages, including titling of property, designating beneficiaries, structuring trusts, and accomplishing intentions regarding children. The session will also cover negotiation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Diana practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She works with families and businesses to design and prepare comprehensive estate plans through wills, trust agreements, and other related documents. In addition to her work in the Estate Planning Group, Diana is also a member of Maslon's Litigation Group, assisting clients with disputes involving fiduciary duties, trusts, and probate. Diana's prior experience in the area of complex commercial litigation brings unique perspective to such disputes.

]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2016 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/maslon-recognized-in-2017-best-law-firms-by-ius-news-best-lawyersi
U.S. News - Best Lawyers®]]>Maslon LLP has been named a Tier 1 Metropolitan "Best Law Firm" for Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation—Labor & Employment, and Product Liability Litigation—Defendants in the 2017 "Best Law Firms" rankings released by U.S. News - Best Lawyers®. The firm was also named a Tier 3 National "Best Law Firm" for Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. The full list of Maslon's ranked practice areas recognized by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" are below:

U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers rank more than 11,000 firms. The 2017 "Best Law Firms" covers 137 practice areas across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. Achieving a high ranking is a special distinction that signals a unique combination of professional excellence and breadth of expertise.

Earlier this year, Maslon attorneys Cooper Ashley, Mark Baumann, David Herr, Geoff Jarpe, Susan Link, Mike McCarthy, Bill Pentelovitch, Larry Purdy, and David Schultz were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017. David Herr and Bill Pentelovitch have the distinct honor of being listed by the publication since 1995. To view the full article, go to: Maslon Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017.

]]>Tue, 01 Nov 2016 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/susan-link-to-chair-minnesota-cles-what-matters-most-2016-in-trusts-estates-practice-seminar
Susan Link, head of Maslon's Estate Planning Group, will chair Minnesota CLE's What Matters Most 2016 in Trusts & Estates Practice seminar on September 27, 2016. The day-long seminar will feature 16 TED-Talks-inspired presenters who will draw upon their diverse perspectives and life experiences to share with attendees some of the most important aspects of practice. As course chair, Susan will kick off the event with a welcome and introduction. Additionally, following each set of four TED-Talks-formatted presentations, Susan will moderate a panel discussion amongst that group with an opportunity for Q&A and engagement with all participants.

Susan practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She works closely with families to plan the disposition of their assets, both during lifetime and at death, and to accomplish the optimal estate and gift tax planning for clients through wills, trusts, and other instruments. Susan routinely drafts estate plans that include disclaimer planning and credit shelter plans, in addition to drafting and implementing charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, irrevocable insurance trusts, minors' trusts, antenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements. She is regularly involved in the analysis and issues of lifetime gifting programs, estate tax planning, and generation-skipping issues.

]]>Tue, 27 Sep 2016 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/maslon-attorneys-selected-for-inclusion-in-ithe-best-lawyers-in-americai-2017
The Best Lawyers in America® 2017]]>Maslon is pleased to announce that attorneys Cooper Ashley, Mark Baumann, David Herr, Geoff Jarpe, Susan Link, Mike McCarthy, Bill Pentelovitch, Larry Purdy, and David Schultz have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017. David Herr and Bill Pentelovitch have the distinct honor of being listed annually by the publication for over twenty years.

Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Best Lawyers employs a survey process designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

For more information on the Best Lawyers selection process, go to: Best Lawyers.

]]>Mon, 15 Aug 2016 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/susan-link-featured-in-article-for-minnesota-2016-isuper-lawyersi-magazine
Super Lawyers® Magazine]]>Susan Link, head of Maslon's Estate Planning Group, is featured in the Minnesota 2016 Super Lawyers magazine. The annual issue includes the Minnesota attorneys recognized on the 2016 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists and features selected attorneys and their noteworthy stories. The article titled, "Matters of Life and Death," profiles Susan's legal career from childhood inspiration to early real estate practice in Chicago and her eventual transition to an estate planning practice with a focus on pro bono work for the Minnesota Wills for Heroes program.

On her path to estate planning, Susan shares, "When my mom died, our family met with the lawyers, and there were many issues that could have easily broke[n] us apart... It made me think that I could do this type of work. I'd be good at it." She adds, "Our goal is to make sure the family stays together. We're asked to meet with people during the darkest point of their lives, and that's a great responsibility. We want to help them get through and not turn on each other. If I can do that, it's a good feeling."

Although she didn't begin her practice with a particular focus in pro bono work, the article notes the pivotal moment in 2006, when Susan heard about Wills for Heroes, an organization created to help 9/11 first responders put estate documents in place. "I read that 90 percent of them had no wills, and it turns out that most emergency responders haven't drafted a will either," she explained, "I thought, this is an area where I can help."

Susan helped found the Minnesota chapter of the organization with the support of the MSBA, and began her service as program director in 2007, donating about 500 hours a year to the work and often attending Wills for Heroes events around the state on Monday evenings and during all-day Saturday sessions. To date, the organization has served about 11,000 people. Tim Groshens, executive director of the MSBA noted, "You have to be sensitive, this is an area with a lot of personal information, and you have to be fast as you only have an hour. Susan's figured out the formula and shown everyone how to do it."

The article closes with a final statement from Susan, "'If we can get more people to fill out health directives, that would be so beneficial to society. And it doesn't have to be an unpleasant process. It really doesn't.'"

Susan practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She works closely with families to plan the disposition of their assets, both during lifetime and at death, and to accomplish the optimal estate and gift tax planning for clients through wills, trusts, and other instruments. Susan routinely drafts estate plans that include disclaimer planning and credit shelter plans, in addition to drafting and implementing charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, irrevocable insurance trusts, minors' trusts, antenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements. She is regularly involved in the analysis and issues of lifetime gifting programs, estate tax planning, and generation-skipping issues.

]]>Wed, 03 Aug 2016 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/susan-link-interviewed-by-cbs-news-regarding-second-hearing-on-princes-estate
Susan Link, head of Maslon's Estate Planning Group, was interviewed on a CBS This Morning News segment titled, "How will Prince's estimated $300M fortune be divided?" The segment reports on a second hearing scheduled the morning of June 27 that will "determine who qualifies as heirs to the late singer's estate." In addition to Prince's six siblings, the segment notes "more than 20 other people have come forward claiming to be an heir to the late musician." Susan states, "Any of those people have had to submit... affidavits to the bank and the bank is making a determination of who they're now asking to receive DNA tests."

As well as determining how those DNA tests will be conducted, Monday morning's hearing will discuss paying Prince's estate tax. "If Prince actually had a $300 million estate, you're looking at having to come up with $150 million in 9 months," Susan states.

Susan Link practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She works closely with families to plan the disposition of their assets, both during lifetime and at death, and to accomplish the optimal estate and gift tax planning for clients through wills, trusts, and other instruments. Additionally, Susan serves as the program director of Minnesota Wills for Heroes. The Wills for Heroes program, sponsored by the Minnesota State Bar Association, is designed to provide free legal services for the preparation of basic estate planning documents for Minnesota first responders. She is also a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

]]>Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/susan-link-provides-commentary-to-abc-news-regarding-potential-heirs-to-princes-estate
Susan Link, head of Maslon's Estate Planning Group, provided commentary for a ABC News piece titled, "Claim Prince as Father? Be Ready to Give Some Blood." The article reports that Prince's estate's special administrator, Bremer Trust, has proposed that claimants to the estate "submit affidavits backing up their relationship to Prince, and then agree to blood and genetic testing—at their expense."

In Minnesota, "a person with a verified claim to be Prince's child would zoom to the front of the line for his estate." "So nothing would go to Prince's sister Tyka Nelson and his five half siblings," Susan states, adding, "a child would trump the siblings."

Susan Link practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She works closely with families to plan the disposition of their assets, both during lifetime and at death, and to accomplish the optimal estate and gift tax planning for clients through wills, trusts, and other instruments. Additionally, Susan serves as the program director of Minnesota Wills for Heroes. The Wills for Heroes program, sponsored by the Minnesota State Bar Association, is designed to provide free legal services for the preparation of basic estate planning documents for Minnesota first responders. She is also a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

]]>Thu, 19 May 2016 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/maslon-welcomes-attorney-kevin-rockwell-to-its-estate-planning-group
Maslon is pleased to announce the addition of attorney Kevin Rockwell to the firm's Estate Planning group. His experience further strengthens Maslon's capabilities in key areas of practice for our clients.

Kevin joins Maslon's Estate Planning Group and practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. He enjoys working closely with individuals and families to design and implement comprehensive estate plans that meet their unique personal, financial, and charitable goals. Kevin earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. After law school, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Marilyn Brown Rosenbaum of the Fourth Judicial District Court of Minnesota.

]]>Fri, 13 May 2016 00:00:00 Zhttps://www.maslon.com/susan-link-interviewed-for-emnew-york-daily-newsem-article-about-possible-heir-to-princes-estate
New York Daily News Article about Possible Heir to Prince's Estate ]]>Susan Link, head of Maslon's Estate Planning Group, was interviewed for a New York Daily News article titled, "Man whose mother 'crossed paths' with Prince claims to be singer's son, seeks DNA test." The article reports on a recent claim by an unidentified Midwestern man who "bears a resemblance to Prince and claims his mother met the superstar on multiple occasions in the early 1980s around the time he was conceived."

"If paternity can be determined by clear and convincing evidence through DNA, the child would be recognized as Prince's sole heir and receive the assets through intestate succession," Susan stated, adding, "if a valid petition is filed, the judge could say a genetic test is needed to move ahead with the overall settlement of the estate."

Susan Link practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She works closely with families to plan the disposition of their assets, both during lifetime and at death, and to accomplish the optimal estate and gift tax planning for clients through wills, trusts, and other instruments. Additionally, Susan serves as the program director of Minnesota Wills for Heroes. The Wills for Heroes program, sponsored by the Minnesota State Bar Association, is designed to provide free legal services for the preparation of basic estate planning documents for Minnesota first responders. She is also a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.